Joseph Victor Simmons Sr.

“When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory”! As we gather here today, we find ourselves in the midst of an ocean of emotions. It’s not easy to say goodbye to a man as mild tempered, yet a giant, Joseph Victor Simmons, Sr. Joseph was born to his late parents, Esau Simmons and Dorothy Legare Simmons – both of John’s Island, SC. Joseph was born August 5, 1947, in Charleston, SC and took his eternal resting place amongst the Heavens March 11, 2024. He was rich in wisdom, in kindness, and in love. He was the kind of man who knew the value of hard work, the importance of honesty, and the strength of humility. Joseph served in the United States army where he received three purple hearts and a bronze star before receiving an honorable discharge after being wounded in combat. He then worked for the United States Department of Agriculture where he became a well-versed lab technician and retired after 30 years. He joined hands in holy matrimony to his best friend of 60 years, Marie Thelma Simmons. Of their union, they bore three children – Cheryl Carter (Makeba Carter), Candice Simmons and Joseph Simmons Jr. (Harley Bowen). He was preceded in death by 4 siblings –Berdell Simmons, Lesonia Brown, Estelle McClair, Esau Simmons and Leon Simmons. He leaves to cherish his memories, three siblings, Delores Deas, Robert Lee Simmons (Gail Simmons) and Mable Toomer (James Toomer), two brothers-in-laws, Eddie Grant and Laurence Grant. A devoted cousin, Theresa Hunt, three grandkids, Imani Singleton, Islah Bowen, and Kenneth Simmons – as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews. Joseph was the rock of his family, and his loss is felt tremendously. Joseph was a man of few words, but tons of sayings: Like “at ease”, “data hold’em”, “catcha come later, and “save something for boom-by”, as well as others that cannot be mentioned. With that being said, you won’t be able to get anymore of his candy yams or smoked turkey, but we are thankful for all the good pots and tastes of the island. Thelma-Lou is back in the kitchen and the lessons and blessings he shared cannot be replaced. We love you, “Big Joe”, and now that you’re up there with the Big Man, put a few words in and send us a good number.